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Importing

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Steps to importing

To import pig meat, products and ingredients you must either be registered as a food importer with MPI, or use a registered food importer. There are also other standards and requirements. We've created a step-by-step process to explain what's involved.

Are you using wood packaging?

If your consignment is shipped to New Zealand on wooden pallets, or wood has been used to package any part of your consignment, you'll also need to comply with the requirements for importing wood packaging.

Export goods returning to New Zealand

If you have New Zealand-origin pig meat products returning to New Zealand – for example, a consignment that has been rejected by an importing country – you need to notify MPI. You can use the export non-conformance report to do this.

If your import doesn't meet all IHS requirements

If your import doesn't meet all of the IHS requirements (for example, if the item has been tested using a different method from the one specified in the IHS), you can ask MPI about assessing your import under equivalent measures. This is known as 'equivalence'.

You'll need to supply information to show how the risks managed by the IHS are managed to an equivalent level for your product.

You'll also need to provide MPI with supporting information, as listed in each IHS. If MPI grants equivalence for your item, it must be recorded on a permit.

Book a transitional facility

All imported pig meat, pig meat products, and pig by-products that require further processing need to go a transitional facility (which must be listed on your import permit) and be treated according to the requirements of the IHS.

MPI approves transitional facilities to hold and manage goods that are imported into New Zealand that may have some associated biosecurity risk. You or your customs broker need to arrange for your products to be transferred to an approved transitional facility.

Pork consumer-ready cuts

Imported consumer-ready cuts (CRCs) of pork packaged for direct retail sale will be verified or inspected by MPI. While the products may be cleared for import at the border, it's also possible they may have to be inspected, so you still need to book a transitional facility.

To find out more about the CRC verification and inspection process, read MPI's list of frequently asked questions (FAQs):

Apply for an import permit, if required

You'll need to apply for a permit for all imported consignments which require further processing. (Note, you don't need a permit if you're importing consumer-ready cuts of pork packaged for direct retail sale).

To apply for a permit, complete and return the application form. Fees apply.

Comply with regulations and standards

meeting specific requirements for foods identified as presenting a higher risk to consumers, also known as foods of high or increased regulatory interest.

All food businesses must comply with the Food Act 2014, Food Regulations 2015 and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. For example, food sold in retail shops must have labels in English, with a New Zealand distributor's name and address.

Make a non-beef declaration, if relevant

If you're importing a product that could be thought to contain beef but it doesn't – or it contains less than 5% – you can make a non-beef declaration on your import entry form with Customs. This will help you avoid unnecessary food safety clearance requirements.

A non-beef declaration can be useful for pig meat products such as sausages and salami.

Read Appendix 1 of Importing Food into New Zealand for a list of foods that can carry a non-beef declaration.

Check if your product requires food safety clearance

MPI must check the safety of foods we class "of regulatory interest" before they can be imported and sold. These are types of foods that have made people sick in the past, or may make people sick. Customs or your customs broker will tell you if a food safety clearance is required.

Pig meat products of regulatory interest

fermented meat products

meat paste

pâté

If coming from a country other than Australia, these foods will need to be checked. If they're shown to be safe, you'll be given a food safety clearance and the food can be imported.

Pig meat from Australia

You can import any pig meat product from Australia without a food safety clearance.

Your application should include:

If the food being imported requires an official certificate, you should also include that with your application.

When inspection, sampling or testing is required

MPI will tell you if the food you're importing needs to be inspected, sampled or tested. If that happens, MPI will sample the product and send samples to your choice of MPI-approved laboratory. You'll need to pay the sampling, transport and testing costs – and share the test results with MPI.

Most imported meat and meat products need biosecurity clearance, and some need a biosecurity import permit. Some may also require a food safety clearance.

Biosecurity clearance

If a biosecurity inspector is satisfied that your products comply with the import health standard (IHS), clearance will be issued soon after your goods arrive.

If your products do not comply with an IHS, your goods may not be cleared. However, you may be given the chance to provide further documentation for your products.

Food safety clearance

A Food Safety Officer (FSO) will assess your application against the requirements of the Food Act. You'll be notified of the outcome through the Trade Single Window system or directly by MPI.

Clearance may be given 'without direction', which means you're free to move and sell the product within New Zealand. If the food requires inspection or sampling, or it's not safe and suitable for people to eat, then you'll receive clearance with direction. Directions given may include reprocessing the food, re-exporting it, or destroying it.